Man City 0-0 Inter: Pep Guardiola's team is frustrated in the Champions League as they are unable to overcome the Italian champions.

The Premier League winners had a difficult start to their Champions League campaign as they were held to a 0-0 stalemate by a determined Inter team.

Even though City controlled the ball, Inter had plenty of opportunities to counterattack. With ten shots in the first half, they gave up more than in any Premier League game and tied for the most conceded by any team under Pep Guardiola in a home Champions League match.

Guardiola's team could scarcely claim to have been at its fluid best, limited to half-chances (Phil Foden's shot upon his return being their finest opening before Ilkay Gundogan twice wasted good headed possibilities). Simone Inzaghi, the Inter manager, will be irritated by his team's carelessness during the break.

After receiving treatment late in the first half, Kevin De Bruyne was replaced at halftime, adding to the awkwardness of the evening. Supporters will be worried about his fitness ahead of Super Sunday's Premier League matchup with Arsenal.

De Bruyne's worry before Arsenal

When asked about the extent of De Bruyne's injury, Guardiola was unclear about the status of his star player. "I'm not sure; I haven't talked to the doctors yet," he said during the press conference. "I will have more info tomorrow."

The play that seemed to cause De Bruyne problems occurred late in the first half. He nearly took advantage of a mistake made by Yann Sommer, but the custodian boxed him out on the left angle of the six-yard box, and he eventually pulled up.

 
Although Guardiola may have done so out of caution, the Premier League winners are not at all happy with his choice to sit him out of the second half, especially with the Gunners match coming up this weekend. De Bruyne has performed admirably.

For Guardiola, at least, Foden's comeback is welcome. Even though he squandered a fantastic opportunity with his right foot, his introduction, along with Gundogan, gave City's play more energy in the second half. You can count on him to play a role this weekend.

Guardiola: I'm quite happy.

Pep Guardiola, the head coach of Man City, said during the press conference:

"We faced an extremely tough team, the reigning Italian champions. They killed you in the transition, with guys like Yann Sommer and Alessandro Bastoni setting up the build-up and the build-up.

However, I'm rather happy with how we performed. Compared to when we played them in the [2023 Champions League] final two years ago, we performed significantly better."

Inzaghi: An enormous show

Simone Inzaghi, the head coach of Inter, said during the press conference:

"'Well done, lads,' I exclaimed; they gave an incredible performance. They played just as I had wanted them to.

"Everyone is aware of Manchester City's abilities and accomplishments, particularly at home. We played a fantastic game because we knew we had to.

"And we also produced a few excellent opportunities. We worked well together, and when we work well together, we make things difficult for any opponent. However, we maybe should have taken advantage of them more.

"It's true that following a performance like this, you feel quite confident going into the next game. However, I would have rather prevailed."

Analysis: Unusual misfire by the city

It is quite uncommon to witness Manchester City so skilfully restrained at home for ninety minutes.

Much of the narrative was conveyed by the contrast between Simone Inzaghi, who was throwing up his arms in an increasingly emotional manner from the touchline, and his cool-headed players on the pitch.

Up until the very end, when two headers from Gundogan surely ought to have made the visitors pay, Inter's structure and tactics smothered City.

No goals despite twenty-two shots, five on target, three "big chances," and an xG of 2.45. Guardiola thought, "They are masters of defending, so deep, they help each other so well." "I like everything on my team today." Everything except the score.